Domestic violence is prevalent in various communities. It holds no discrimination against race, ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic status. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an average of 20 people experiences intimate partner physical violence every minute in the United States. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic Violence is defined as violence between two intimate partners, where there is intentional use of abusive behaviors or tactics to establish an imbalance of power; one person has the power and uses that power to control their partner.

Types of domestic violence abuse

Abuse can be physical, psychological, emotional, verbal, or sexual.

Physical abuse is the use of physical force against someone in a way that injures or endangers that person.

Psychological, emotional and verbal abuse diminishes the victim’s confidence and self-esteem. This tactic keeps the abuser in control and maintain power in the relationship.

Sexual abuse can combine all forms of abuse and force their partner to perform sexual acts that the victim does not consent to.